Mac and Music News

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Version 1.1.6 is now available for download at the M-Audio website. The site notes that there are still remaining AC3 issues that will be addressed in the next release

Digidesign announces that Amp Farm 2.3.1 for Pro Tools|HD Accel systems is now availble for download. Amp Farm v2.3.1 adds support for Pro Tools|HD Accel, Pro Tools|HD and Pro Tools|24 MIX. Amp Farm v2.3.1 supports Mac OS X.

Amp Farm 2.3.1 is free update for all Amp Farm owners with iLok authorized versions of Amp Farm. A version 2.1.1 is also available for Pro Tools systems on mac OS 9.

Folks who were concerned about the soldered in 128meg ram stick limiting their total ram in the new G4 iBooks now have one less thing to worry about. While still expensive (like the ram for the 12" pbook) the first G4 iBook 1gig so-dimm from Trans Intl. for $499 at leasts levels the playing field, allowing G4 iBook owners to upgrade to 1152meg rather than the 640meg max listed on the Apple website.

This plus the monitor spanning hack helps to make the G4 iBooks a competitive choice when compared to the 12" powerbook.

Propellerhead Software has invited existing users of ReCycle to sign up for beta-testing of their new version 2.1. It supports Mac OSX and Windows XP. It will work with 24-bit audio, as well.

"The Java Update delivers functional enhancements and improved stability for running Java applications and applets. It contains support for both Java 1.4.1 and Java 1.3.1. It is strongly recommended that all users install this update.", said Apple.

VirSyn announce TERA 2.0 , a modular software synthesizer based on different synthesis modules. This new version includes : Analog synthesis, Spectrum Synthesis, Formant, FM synthesis, Physical modeling, custom waveforms for all oscillators, and 16 modular synths (with up to  64 voices).

Tera 2 is compatible with Mac OS 9/OS X standalone / VST / AudioUnit and now ReWire 2 and RTAS. The price for TERA 2.0 will be 299.- EUR on November, 24 th. Note that all registered users with the original TERA CD 1.1 and 1.2 will get a downloadable upgrade for free.

One month ago an active member (FR side) told us that native instrument was on the verge to release a new version of Kontakt. It's done ! The new 1.55 version is available now

New features include :
- Mac OS X support
- RTAS and AU (AudioUnits) support
- Import new standards : Sample cell, REX , EXS MK II ...

This new version is FREE for users who bought Kontakt after august 1st. Older users may download the new version for 29 Euros (CD version for 49 Euros). Those promotional prices will be valid until december 6th. Then prices will be higher (49 Euros and 69 Euros)

Swar Systems, a Switzerland-based company specialized in Indian music software, is announcing the imminent release of North 2, a whole new set of instruments from North India on all their products (standalone software, VST plugins, Akai/Reason patches).

North 2 is a new set of folk instruments and a large array of typical rhythms and melodies from the Indian folk/classical repertoire. Final release of this new collection is planned before November for a price increase of 30 US$. Registered clients will be asked the same amount to upgrade.

For a limited time, Digidesign offers to SampleCell users (all versions : nubus, PCI, SampleCell II, SampleCell Soft..) to move up to SampleTank XL by IK Multimedia.

This crossgrade run from November 1st through December 20, for a retail price of 349 euros, only on the DigiStore.

Doggiebox by "Zygoat Creative Technical Services" is available in version 1.0.5. This beat sequencing software empowers you to create and manipulate percussion-based songs and create drum tracks in minutes.

Doggiebox 1.0.5 is compatible mac OS 10.3 and available for 29 Euros. A demo version is also available.